IPOH:  Feb 25, 2013

Penang based trainer LN Danis was today suspended three months after one of his horses D’ULTIMATE KEEPER returned a positive swab after finishing second in a Class 4 - 1400m handicap here on Jan 13.

An inquiry into the above matter on last Friday at the Perak Turf Club. Evidence were taken from Danis, Professor Dr. Tan Soo Choon, chief analyst, USains Holding Sdn Bhd, and Dr. Alistair Murdoch, senior veterinary surgeon of the Perak Turf Club.

Danis then pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under Rule 134(7) in that he, being the trainer and person responsible had accepted to run D’ULTIMATE KEEPER which finished second in place in the above-mentioned race and its post-race urine sample coded "15165" subsequently upon analysis returned positive to "3-Hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan" which is a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

The Stewards today concluded the inquiry into the above matter at the Perak Turf Club.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account further submissions from Danis, his guilty plea, disciplinary record and mitigating factors. Danis’s licence to train was suspended for a period of three months with immediate effect from today to May 24, both days inclusive and in addition, he was fined the sum of RM30,000. He was advised of his right of appeal (11.29am).

Under the provision of MRA Rule 134(11), D’ULTIMATE KEEPER was disqualified from its race and the Judges’ placings be amended accordingly.

Trainer Danis Luke Navaratnam was informed that the clearance urine sample from D’ULTIMATE KEEPER submitted for analysis has returned negative and was advised that D’ULTIMATE KEEPER is cleared to race again as required under MRA Rule 134(12).

Danis subsequently exercised his right of appeal for a stay of sentence. The Stipendiary Stewards heard the above appeal today at 1.30pm at the Perak Turf Club. After hearing submissions from Danis, Stewards decided to grant him a stay of sentence pending the appeal hearing at a date to be fixed.